Blog
July 23, 2025
Translating Complex Federal Regulations Into Actionable Guidance
Attain Partners is proud to announce the addition of Michael Leonard as a Senior Grants Management Consultant. Michael joins us with a strong reputation for delivering practical guidance in the ever-evolving landscape of federal grants. His ability to partner with organizations to streamline processes and strengthen compliance reflects our commitment to providing top-tier expertise and value to our clients.
“Michael’s experience and dedication to excellence in grants management will be a tremendous asset to our clients,” said Mark Davis, Managing Partner and Attain Research Lead at Attain Partners. “His ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable strategies will help our clients enhance their compliance posture and achieve their strategic goals.
Get to know Michael better in our interview with him below.
Attain Partners (AP): How did you become passionate about grants management?
Michael Leonard (ML): My passion for grants management grew during my 36-year tenure with the federal government. During my time with the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), I was intricately involved in directives that influenced accountability, advancement, and growth of life-saving research. Leading negotiations with major grant recipients and ensuring the proper stewardship of federal funds helped me appreciate the broader impact of this work and how it affects every single person, worldwide.
AP: How do you leverage your role with Attain Partners to create an impact?
ML: In my role with Attain Partners, I anticipate leveraging my deep experience in federal cost allocation, regulatory compliance, and cross-agency collaboration to guide clients through complex grant and financial challenges. My background in leading national training, policy clarification, and successful negotiation strategies allows me to help research institutions recover maximum funding while remaining compliant, amplifying Attain Partners’ core values, including executing with discipline and having absolute integrity.
AP: Which of our seven core values speaks to you the most?
ML: Execute with Discipline resonates most with me. My entire career has been focused on maintaining precision and accountability, whether negotiating cost recovery rates, advising on federal regulations, or training peers nationwide. The integrity of federal financial management depends on disciplined execution, and I take pride in delivering consistent results with the highest level of professionalism.
AP: What do you like most about the work you do?
ML: What I enjoy most is the ability to translate complex federal regulations into actionable guidance and help research institutions better understand and manage federal funds responsibly. In my 20 years as a College & University National Specialist, I have found great satisfaction in sharing my knowledge and experience, whether through negotiation, training, or policy development. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how that guidance directly contributes to achieving shared goals between the federal government and the research community.
AP: What are the biggest ways you’ve seen grants management initiatives impact organizations?
ML: Effective grants management has helped institutions recover billions of dollars in indirect costs, secure essential funding for research, and standardize operations to meet federal compliance standards. At HHS, I saw major universities reinvest negotiated indirect cost recovery into groundbreaking research, faculty expansion, and improved facilities. Grants management, when done right, helps research institutions achieve the goals of excellence in innovation and advancement.
AP: How do you stay current on the latest trends and developments in grants management?
ML: I’ve always prioritized professional development through continuous engagement with policy-setting bodies like OMB and attendance at national conferences such as NECA and NACCA. Even now, I remain committed to staying informed on regulatory shifts and emerging best practices, ensuring that my advice is both timely and impactful.
AP: What do you enjoy outside of work?
ML: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with those I care most about, exploring and sightseeing on trails along the Long Island coastline and Upstate New York. I’m also a lifelong Mets baseball and Islanders hockey fan through the worst and best of times. Any time I travel for work or pleasure, you will find me visiting sports stadiums of the local teams.
Manage Your Grants. Increase Your Impact.
A strong grants management plan is essential to securing and managing the funding needed to enhance and further the research mission. We help clients navigate the grants process and maintain compliance by empowering you with everything you need to optimize your management processes, maximize your grants funding, minimize risk, and eliminate uncertainties along the way. Learn more about how Attain Partners can help.
Learn more – Mike Leonard
Michael Leonard is a Senior Grants Management Consultant at Attain Partners, where he brings extensive expertise in federal grants compliance, policy interpretation, and strategic grants management. With a strong background in working with higher education institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies, Michael excels in helping clients navigate complex grant regulations and improve operational efficiency. He is known for his collaborative approach, analytical mindset, and deep understanding of Uniform Guidance and federal grant lifecycle requirements. Michael’s commitment to excellence and client-focused solutions has made him a trusted advisor in the grants management community.
